The principle of grazing rights on Welsh common land has been strengthened by a landmark legal victory for a livestock grazier.

The owner of Eglwysilan Common near Pontypridd had taken James Tamplin to court to recoup payments he claimed he was owed for grazing.

The common had changed hands in 2015 and the new owner demanded back-dated ‘rent’ payments from Mr Tamplin.

Approximately 8.4 per cent of the land area in Wales is registered as common land and covers around 175,000 hectares.

Commons provide grazing for sheep and cattle and have been integral to agriculture in Wales for decades.

The common rights for Eglwysilan Common were registered and the rights lawfully used for many years by around 30 graziers.

Mr Tamplin was the only grazier the owner had demanded payment from.

He was taken to court in a bid to recover that payment but that case has been struck out by Cardiff County Court and the owner ordered to pay the court costs.

The court had ordered the owner to submit a detailed claim form setting out the reasons why he believed he was owed money. When he failed to do this, the claim was struck out.

Mr Tamplin, represented by JCP Solicitors and supported by NFU Cymru and the NFU legal assistance scheme, had robustly defended the claim against him. He maintained that the claim was “absurd’’.

He said he was “delighted’’ with the outcome of a case which had been stressful for both him and his family.

“We are very grateful to NFU Cymru, the legal assistance scheme and JCP solicitors, since we could not have faced this without their support,’’said Mr Tamplin.

Speaking after the case, NFU Cymru director John Mercer said common rights were a critical part of Welsh agriculture.

“NFU Cymru supported this case on behalf of Welsh agriculture, and we are delighted at the outcome, not only for Mr Tamplin but on behalf of all commoners across Wales who were understandably concerned about the potential wider implications of this case,’’ Mr Mercer said.

“The economic viability of many farms is dependent on the common rights that are registered and exercised lawfully.”